South Africa received its first entirely automated biodiesel plant with an integrated architecture solution provided by Rockwell Automation.
The plant, located in Chamdor, will convert used cooking oil from fast-food chains into biodiesel by free fatty acids esterification and a double transesterification process. In addition, the process includes a methanol and sodium methalate catalyst.
The plant began construction in January by Bioneer following an environmental impact assessment with full commissioning of the plant taking place in June. Bioneer Managing Director Gerrit Smith said that it was “the first biodiesel plant in the country to use ultrasonic technology and solid catalyst esterification.”
Rockwell Automation’s Grant Watkins added, “Additional benefits for the project team include reduced engineering time, premier integration with the drives, and vertical integration that allows for better visualization from the office environment straight down to the drives.”